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Read. Follow. Verify.Hearing on International Shipping Costs and Postal Competition
Record date · January 1, 2015
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What This Bill Does
This House subcommittee hearing examined why it is often cheaper to ship small packages from China to the U.S. than to ship the same items domestically. The committee investigated the financial impact of these international shipping rates on the U.S. Postal Service.
The U.S. Postal Service reported a $75 million loss on in the previous year, raising questions about the sustainability of current international shipping agreements and their effect on domestic shipping costs.
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
U.S. Postal Service
The agency manages international mail delivery and reported financial losses associated with inbound international shipping rates.
FedEx Express
As a private shipping competitor, the company provides regulatory perspective on international shipping competition.
Amazon.com
As a major e-commerce retailer, the company provides input on global public policy regarding shipping.
Key Facts
- The U.S. Postal Service reported a $75 million loss on inbound international mail in the year prior to the hearing.
- The hearing was held on June 16, 2015, by the Subcommittee on Government Operations.
- Committee staff identified instances where small goods from China, such as stylus pens and lipstick, were shipped to the U.S. at prices significantly lower than domestic shipping rates.
- The hearing included testimony from officials representing the Postal Regulatory Commission, the State Department, the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, and Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it cheaper to ship from China than within the U.S.?
How much money did the Postal Service lose on international mail?
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News Coverage
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Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
International Shipping Cost Disparity
The hearing highlights a structural issue where international shipping agreements create financial losses for the U.S. Postal Service compared to domestic shipping.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment20Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz15Current news / social attention level
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